Alina’s POV
I observed the two of them together and realized that these ordinary interactions were some of the most meaningful victories we had achieved. Shared laughter, pride, attention, encouragement - these were not trivial things.
They were evidence that life could rebuild itself, that trust could be carefully restored, and that healing could happen steadily, quietly, and without fanfare.
Breakfast was calm and familiar: pancakes, fresh fruit, and tea. Leo chattered incessantly, weaving stories of pirates and imaginary creatures inhabiting his sandcastle world.
Sebastian and I listened, sometimes smiling quietly, sometimes letting him speak uninterrupted.
The rhythm of these mornings - the gentle exchanges, shared laughter, quiet attentiveness had become sacred. They were the mom
